Orthopedic Specialists

Foot & Ankle Treatment and Surgery (Podiatry): General Tendon Repair (Tendon Surgery)

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A surgeon repairs a torn tendon.

At Orthopedic Specialists, our highly trained orthopedic surgeons have decades of experience performing tendon repair procedures. With unmatched skill and compassion, our team has helped countless patients in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and throughout the Midwest recover mobility and return to their daily lives with confidence.

Whether your injury involves your shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle, or hand, we’re here to provide advanced surgical care and personalized treatment planning tailored to your unique needs.

What Is Tendon Repair Surgery?

Tendon repair surgery is a procedure used to reconnect a torn or ruptured tendon to restore normal function and movement in a joint. Tendons are strong, flexible bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. When they are torn or detached, movement becomes difficult and painful.

Depending on the type and location of the injury, tendon procedures may be performed using:

  • Open surgery (traditional incision)
  • Minimally invasive techniques, such as arthroscopy, which uses a small camera and surgical tools inserted through tiny incisions

Common Tendon Repair Procedures

Our surgeons specialize in tendon repairs in multiple areas of the body, including:

  • Achilles Tendon Surgery: This procedure repairs the tendon located at the back of the ankle, often due to tears or ruptures.
  • Tendon Transfer of Foot: This surgery involves moving a functioning tendon to replace the function of a damaged one in the foot.
  • Tendon Transfer of Ankle: Similar to the foot, this procedure transfers a healthy tendon to restore movement lost due to tendon damage in the ankle.
  • Tendon Transfers for Brachia Plexus Injury: These specialized surgeries reroute healthy tendons in the arm and shoulder to improve function lost due to nerve damage in the brachial plexus.
  • De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Surgery: This procedure aims to relieve pain and improve movement in the thumb and wrist caused by inflammation of the tendons.
  • Tendonitis Treatment of the Hand & Wrist: This encompasses various surgical and non-surgical approaches to reduce inflammation and pain in the tendons of the hand and wrist.
  • Tendon Reconstruction of the Hand & Wrist: This involves surgically rebuilding damaged tendons in the hand and wrist, often using grafts, to restore function.
  • Bicep Tendon Repair: This surgery reattaches a torn bicep tendon at the shoulder or elbow to alleviate pain and restore arm strength.

Causes of Tendon Injuries

Tendon injuries can result from:

  • Sudden trauma (such as a sports injury or fall)
  • Repetitive motion over time
  • Aging and wear-and-tear
  • Inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis
  • Steroid injections or certain medications

Symptoms of a Torn Tendon

If you experience a tendon tear or rupture, you may notice:

  • A sudden popping or snapping sensation
  • Sharp pain at the site of injury
  • Swelling or bruising
  • Weakness or inability to move the affected area
  • Difficulty bearing weight or using the limb

When Is Tendon Repair Recommended?

Tendon repair surgery may be recommended if:

  • You have a complete or partial tendon tear
  • You’ve lost strength, motion, or stability in a joint
  • Non-surgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, or medications haven't worked
  • You need to return to an active lifestyle or work quickly

Trust the Experts in Tendon Repair

At Orthopedic Specialists, we’re proud to offer advanced tendon repair solutions backed by decades of experience and a strong reputation for patient care. If you’ve suffered a tendon injury or are struggling with persistent joint pain, we’re here to help you heal and get back to the life you love.

To learn more about how to prepare for surgery and what to expect after, visit our Surgery Preparation/Recovery page or contact us to schedule a consultation.
 

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